This cache is part of a series (initiated by BakRdz) intended to showcase Wisconsin’s Rustic Roads (WRR). The Wisconsin Legislature established the Rustic Roads program in 1973 to preserve what remains of Wisconsin's scenic, lightly traveled roads. For a current listing of Wisconsin Rustic Roads, check out this web page.
These caches are usually hidden in the right of way at a spot of notable beauty with no bushwhacking required. Please be respectful of private property, protected lands, and the overall history of the area. Take your time, mind your speed, and most of all… enjoy your journey along the road less traveled.
Rustic Road 21 is a series of connected roads located in Sauk County. Schara Road runs from County PF to Orchard Road, Ruff Road runs from Orchard Road to Denzer Road, Orchard Road runs from County PF to County C, and Slotty Road runs from County C to Denzer Road. The length you will travel is listed as 8.6 miles, but you can plan your own route to travel any or all of these rural byways. Schara and Ruff Roads are gravel, and Orchard and Slotty Roads are paved.
From the WRR web site: "Ruff Road, Orchard Drive, and Slotty Road are narrow, gravel roads. They wind through rolling, rugged terrain, near Natural Bridge State Park where the Raddatz rock shelter is located, the oldest documented site of primitive man in the upper-midwest. Schara Road extends along a ridge bordered by oaks, maples, basswoods and hickories. Remains of an old barn and home foundation are visible from the road. A walk during the spring and summer reveals many wildflowers along the roadside and in the open fields. Note: Slotty Road was added in 1996."
We traveled to this area twice to check all parts of the rustic road. Much of Orchard Road in late June of 2010 saw evidence of gypsy moth infestation in the hardwood trees of the hills. We chose not to place the cache where people might be stopping and picking up unwanted "travelers". However, there is a great view south from the intersection of Orchard and Schara Roads. Ruff Road is very rustic and easy to miss. Slotty Road has good views of farms and contour planting in the fields.
Because we enjoyed the rural nature of Schara Road and the scenic views at both ends, we chose to place the cache on that road in a very pretty spot. No cars passed by while we were taking our time placing the cache, and we didn't see any poison ivy near the cache site, although there is some on the other side of the road, so don't look there! The "leaves of three" you may see near the cache container are jack-in-the-pulpit plants.
While the rustic roads in this area are scenic and less-traveled, many of the busier roads offer panoramic views of the Baraboo hills area, so take some time on your visit here to appreciate this picturesque part of Wisconsin.